My older sister, who is a true expert at finding vintage, historical and antique pieces, recently purchased a functioning early 1960’s Garland Commercial Stove she saw at a gathering hall in Indiana. Garland stoves are highly respected, first gaining fame in 1893 when the “World’s Largest Stove” was introduced at the World’s Fair and later gaining recognition because Julia Child was quite fond of the stove and had one in her famous kitchen. My sister uses everything she buys, so the stove you see below will promptly be cleaned of all rust and put to use.

I was intrigued, so I did a little research to see which modern day famous and world renounced chefs use Garland ranges. Ever heard of French trained Michele Richard of Citronelle fame? His kitchen has a custom Garland. I am guessing it’s not cast iron! I don’t have the bank account to eat at Citronelle, which is considered the best 5 star restaurant here in Washington, DC, but I have read a lot about Richard and perused his beautiful cookbooks. He is an artist (and a perfectionist) in the kitchen.

The Garland Line began in 1864 in Detroit, Michigan. In 1893 a huge Garland Stove was shown at the World's Fair. As of 2008, Garland is part of Manitowoc Foodservice.

Who else used a Garland? You probably have heard of her…

Julia Child used a Commercial Model 182 Garland, which she bought in Washington, DC, and had shipped up to Massachusetts. Julia Child paid $429 for the stove in 1956–my sister paid $450, just a little more! Now Child’s favorite stove is in Washington again, along with almost all of her cooking tools and the original peg board her husband created for his wife to organize and “map” her kitchen. Now that is a nice husband!

The exhibit is right down the street from me at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. I have seen the exhibit and it is just wonderful. I went crazy in the gift shop and bought a boxed DVD set of “The French Chef”. If you are ever in Washington, you must check out the exhibit! The link below takes you on a brief tour of Child’s re-created kitchen–look for the Garland:

According to the National Museum of American History, Child preferred to use her commercial grade gas Garland but the cooking shows taped at her home had her use an electric range, of which she has said she “was never as pleased by its performance.” (Source National Museum of American History ).

Julia Child's polished Garland Stove on exhibit at the National Museum for American History. Photo from the Smithsonian National Museum for American History

My mini gas stove gets the job done, but working at a stove like the one my sister bought would be an incredible experience! I will let you know when she sends me pictures of the Garland in action.

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5 responses

That stove is a twin to the one in the house that my husband and I just purchased in Vermont. Would love to get in touch with your sister to compare. Ours needs some love (one of the ovens isn’t used due to a rusted through bottom panel and neither oven door closes completely). We’re in love with the stove, but need to feed the family too! Any leads are appreciated.

Hey, Lala. I enjoyed your post about the Garland stoves. I have the exact same stove as in the picture and am considering selling it. Do you have any idea how I might go about establishing it value? I would appreciate any help or direction you might be able to give me. my email is sbracken65@gmail.com

I do have one source who may be able to point you in the right direction. It is a valuable stove, so make sure you get your money’s worth! It all depends what condition your stove is in, of course. Let me check with my source and get back to you!

I also thought perhaps you could email me a picture if you have it and I will show it to my expert source/Garland owner (my older sister) so she can get a better idea of what you are working with. Also, it depends on where you live…if you live in NYC, don’t tell anyone you have that stove until you establish a price! :) In rural areas they are cheaper, but not by much if you get them fixed up!